House OKs bill that bars U from limiting alcohol sales at new stadium

The University of Minnesota could not restrict alcohol sales to suites and other premium seating at its new football stadium under legislation that cleared the Minnesota House on Wednesday.

Rep. Leon Lillie, DFL-North St. Paul, proposed that alcohol be available throughout the stadium or not at all. His colleagues adopted his amendment and then voted 124-10 to pass a much larger liquor bill.

The House adopted a similar stance in a higher education bill approved last week. Language to that effect is contained in Senate legislation, according to Sen. David Tomassoni, DFL-Chisholm.

Last year, the U's Board of Regents voted to allow alcohol to be sold in those restricted areas after proponents argued it would help sell prime seating packages. The on-campus stadium opens in September.

For the past quarter-century, the U's football team has played in the Metrodome, where anyone of legal drinking age can buy alcohol.